Family pay tribute to child victims

TRAGIC LOSS: Bradley and Ellen Livingstone's "cheeky grins, huge cuddles, constant singing and sense of mischief" would be missed, their grieving family said.

KILLER: Edward Livingstone shot his two children.

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Police have revealed they know where Dunedin killer-father Edward Livingstone got the gun he used to kill his children last Wednesday night.

Livingstone, 51, used the shotgun to kill his children Bradley, 9, and Ellen, 6, in while they slept in their Kiwi St St Leonard's home around 10pm.

Dunedin-Clutha and Waitaki district commander Inspector Greg Sparrow said in response to Fairfax questions that police now know where the weapon came from.

"Police identified early on in their inquiries how Mr Livingstone accessed the gun," he said.

Sparrow would not be drawn on whether Livingstone was given the shotgun or was able to buy it.

"These details form part of our inquiries and investigation," he said.

"The investigation is likely to continue for a number of weeks, he said.

There were a significant number of inquiries to complete.

At a press conference last Thursday Sparrow said Livingstone did not have a firearms licence and police were working to find out how he got his hands on the shotgun.

YOUNG VICTIMS 'COLOURFUL AND DELIGHTFUL'

The two children shot dead by their father at their Dunedin home last week have been described as "colourful and delightful" by their grieving family.

Edward Livingstone, 51, killed his two young children while their mother, his ex-wife, ran for help on Wednesday night.

Bradley, 9, and Ellen, 6, were killed at the home in the suburb of St Leonards where they lived with their mother, Katharine Webb, before their father turned the gun on himself.

In a notice published in the Otago Daily Times today, grieving family described the pair as "colourful and delightful children".

A joint funeral for Bradley and Ellen would be held at St Leonard's community hall, St George's Hall, on Saturday afternoon.

"Please share in the celebration of their lives by displaying colour in whichever way you choose," the family notice said.

The notice also asked mourners to give donations to Women's Refuge in lieu of flowers.

A second notice published today from staff at St Leonards School said the children's "cheeky grins, huge cuddles, constant singing and sense of mischief" would be missed.

"Bradley, you were the protector. You were always looking out for Ellen and were an amazing big brother. You have a gentle, caring soul and we will miss you dearly," the notice said.

"Ellen, your infectious grin and beautiful singing would fill the room and make us smile. Your fashion sense and hairstyles were like no other and you will never be forgotten."

FUNERAL SERVICE SCHEDULED

Principal Jo Wilson of St Leonard's School, which the two attended, said a colourful service for the children would be held at the community hall, which is located next to the school grounds.

"We want plenty of colour on the day, " she said.

Wilson said Katharine Webb had not visited the school since the deaths. However, School Board of Trustees chairwoman Ceri Warnock said last week Webb had expressed a wish for the 68-pupil school to be involved in her children's funeral.